Shipping PE, PVC, PP or PET in containers is a sensitive and complex process that requires careful planning. PE (polyethylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PP (polypropylene) or PET (polyethylene terephthalate) are considered important raw materials that are used in numerous industries — from beverage production, food packaging, automotive, construction to clothing. Because the value and sensitivity of the material is high, clear guidelines and best practices are needed to ensure smooth and safe transportation. In this article, we discuss the best practices to follow when shipping plastic or plastic containers.

Our best practices

1. Choosing the right container - Plastics are generally imported and exported by container. Some products are sensitive to temperature. Insulated or air-conditioned containers are ideal to avoid temperature fluctuations that could damage the material. The temperature within the container should be checked regularly, especially when long sea trips are pending or the container is on board in warm climates.
2. Labeling and documentation: Packages should be clearly labeled with essential information such as product type, quantity, and handling instructions.
3. ‍Optimum load securing - Securing the load correctly in the container is crucial to prevent the products from being damaged during the journey. In particular, contamination and moisture damage must be avoided. It is important that the goods are correctly stacked and secured with straps, non-slip pads and gap filling material to prevent slipping. An insufficiently secured container can not only endanger the freight, but also lead to high insurance costs if the goods are damaged.
4. Compliance and advance customs declarations - Compliance with international and national regulations is essential to avoid delays at customs authorities. Country-specific differences in particular are often decisive. Especially when shipping PET products, all required documents, such as bills of lading, certificates of origin, safety data sheets and others, must be correctly completed in advance. Here, it is recommended to work with an experienced freight forwarder who ensures that all customs declarations comply with applicable regulations.
5. Integration of modern technologies - In modern freight planning, the integration of technologies such as GPS monitoring and sensors for temperature and humidity is essential. These technologies make it possible to monitor containers throughout the journey in order to identify potential problems early on.